History Commons^™

An Unfit Standard-Bearer:An Unfit Standard-Bearer: Bill Clinton And The Social Order Expectations Of The Religious Right, Douglas J. Swanson Ed.D Apr

Douglas J. Swanson, Ed.D APR

This paper deals with the rift between the social order of the so-called Religious Right and the perceived social order established and held by President Bill Clinton as he entered his first term in office. The author, applying Duncan's "social order model," suggests Clinton's age, family history, educational background, work experience, domestic life, social circle, and leadership role--in sum, his symbolization of the presidency, presented to the public through the media--represented an unacceptable and irreconcilable affront to "traditional" Christian expectations for the office.